The present investigation entitled “Study to identify the suitable propagation time in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) in subtropical conditions” was carried out at Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut – 250110 during 2022-23. In this study, three propagation times viz., 1 January, 15 January and 30 January were selected with three replications. The different parameters for these propagation times were recorded to evaluate the best propagation time. Climate was the major challenge in this study because of sub-tropical conditions and apple being a temperate fruit crop it was more challenging to propagate them in sub-tropical conditions. In order to overcome this situation, we used low chilling varieties of apple viz., Anna, HRMN-99 and Dorsett Golden. When plants were grafted on 30 January it took the minimum days (11.62) to bud intake and showed the maximum results in scion diameter (1.50 cm), leaf area (11.78), plant height (58.69 cm) and survival percentage (95.56%). And maximum results were found in percent success at 30 days (86.67%), number of branches (8.91) and number of leaves (37.26) when plants were grafted on 15 January. Rootstock diameter was recorded maximum when plants were grafted on 1 January.

Apple propagation time, Malus × domestica Borkh., Subtropical conditions, Climate challenges Low-chilling apple varieties, Grafting effects, Scion performance and Propagation success

In this study, some low chilling varieties of apple viz., Anna, Dorsett Golden and HRMN-99 were grafted on apple rootstocks on different grafting dates viz., 1 January, 15 January and 30 January. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that 30 January is the most suitable propagation time for Apple, followed by 15 January in subtropical conditions.

Vinayak, Satya Prakash, Arvind Kumar, Amit Kumar, Saurabh Kumar Singh, Yashraj, Vikash Tyagi, Aastha Dubey and Riya (2023). Study to identify the suitable Propagation Time in Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) in Subtropical conditions. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 408-411.